Notable alumni said to be under consideration include Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert and Clay Aiken (sorry, Bo Bice fans). While Fox declined to comment, it appears there will be at least a few empty seats at the judge's table next season: Two weeks ago Randy Jackson, the sole remaining original judge, announced his departure from the series amid rumors that Fox was also giving the ax to his fellow panelists Minaj, Keith Urban and Mariah Carey.

If the reports are true, a judging overhaul could signal a return to the basics for the aging “Idol,” which suffered a dizzying 22% ratings decline in its recently concluded 12th season.

In recent years, the drama surrounding high-profile judges such as Minaj, Carey, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler has often overshadowed the contestants themselves. But by bringing back some of the show’s most popular and successful stars, “American Idol” could remind viewers what they found so captivating in the first place.

News that Simon Cowell has tapped R&B singer Kelly Rowland and Latin superstar Paulina Rubio to join him as judges on Season 3 of “The X Factor” doesn't come as a surprise. Along with dozens of others, their names had been floated around for some time as potential replacements for Britney Spears...